Preliminary Access Design That Meets Every Standard

Safe and practical access solutions for developments of all sizes.

At Grange Transport Consulting, we provide professional Preliminary Access Design services that ensure new developments connect safely and efficiently to the existing highway network.


Our designs meet Manual for Streets (MfS), Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), and local authority standards, helping you achieve planning approval and technical acceptance without delay.

What Is Preliminary Access Design?

Preliminary Access Design establishes how vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians will enter and exit a site safely and conveniently.  A suitable access can realise the full development potential of land.


It forms a key part of the design and planning process, showing that your site can be accessed  safely and that appropriate visibility, geometry, and layout standards are achievable.


This work is often required by local highway authorities to support Outline  planning applications, and as part of a Transport Assessment / Statement.  The Preliminary designs are taken forward for Section 278 / Section 38 submissions (at Reserved Matters stage).


Clear Access design helps to:

A curved, dark gray band separated by a white stripe from a parallel, light blue band.

Demonstrate that access arrangements are feasible, safe, and practical

An abstract graphic featuring two curved, parallel bands—one dark gray and one light blue—against a white background.

Satisfy local highway authority design requirements

An abstract graphic featuring a thick, dark gray curved arc above a wider, light blue curved band on a white background.

Prevent costly redesigns later in the process

A graphic featuring a dark grey curved band above a wider light blue curved band, separated by a thin white line.

Support approval of Transport Assessments

Transport Assessments

Planning Applications

Our Approach

We develop access layouts that balance design quality, safety, and functionality.


Using current design standards and site-specific data, we assess visibility splays, junction geometry, and swept path analysis to create an efficient solution that integrates seamlessly with surrounding infrastructure.


We work collaboratively with architects, engineers, and planners to ensure that access design complements site layout aspirations and supports the wider transport strategy.


Our outputs are clear and ready for submission, with detailed plans and technical notes to support planning or highway approvals.

A pair of black, bold, stylized quotation marks.

We have built an excellent working relationship with Grange Transport Consulting and have always found them professional, approachable, and easy to work with.

What a Grange Access Design Includes

Each design is tailored to the project and may include:

A curved graphic design element featuring a dark gray band and a light blue band, separated by a thin white arc.

Junction geometry and layout drawings

A curved graphic design element featuring a dark grey arch over a light blue arch, separated by a thin white line.

Visibility splay assessment and design

A stylized, curved graphic design featuring an arch with a dark grey top stripe and a light blue bottom stripe.

Tracking (swept path analysis) of design vehicles using industry approved software

A curved, dark gray arch sitting above a light blue arch, separated by a thin white line against a white background.

Footway, cycleway, and crossing integration

Two curved stripes, one dark gray and one light blue, separated by a thin white line on a white background.

Access for refuse, emergency, and service vehicles

Two curved stripes, one dark gray and one light blue, layered on a white background.

Swept path validation

An abstract graphic design featuring a dark gray curved band above a lighter teal curved band on a white background.

Supporting Design Access Statements and technical notes

We ensure every design meets MfS, DMRB, and local authority requirements, with all outputs presented clearly for planning and approval.

Types of Projects Covered

Our access design services cover:

A black icon of a house with a smaller attached structure.

Residential and mixed-use developments

Black and white icon of an industrial plant or factory featuring a building, a silo, and smokestacks.

Industrial and commercial sites

A black, minimalist icon of a storefront with an arched doorway and a scalloped awning.

Retail and leisure schemes

A black and white icon of a hospital building with a cross symbol on the top center.

Schools, healthcare, and community facilities

A black icon showing a construction crane standing next to buildings along a road.

Infrastructure and renewable energy projects

From single access points to complex multi-junction layouts, we create designs that work in practice and satisfy all technical standards.

An aerial view of a semi-rural landscape with industrial buildings, residential blocks, and green fields.
An aerial view of a residential neighborhood with brick houses, a shared parking courtyard, and surrounding paved roads.
A city street runs parallel to a light rail track, with a vibrant, multi-colored hotel building on the left.

Our Process

1

Initial Review

We assess site context, highway characteristics, and visibility requirements.

2

Concept Design

Prepare preliminary layouts and drawings for review and comment.

3

Technical Refinement

Validate geometry, gradients, and vehicle paths.

4

Final Submission

Provide drawings and supporting notes suitable for planning or technical approval.

We offer fast turnaround, fixed-fee pricing, and responsive communication throughout the process.

Why Choose Grange Transport Consulting

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle on a white background.

Over 30 years of combined experience in transport and highway design

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle on a white background.

Clear layouts designed to local and national standards

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle on a white background.

Collaborative approach with planners and design teams

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle on a white background.

Fixed-fee pricing and reliable delivery times

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle.

Trusted by developers, planners, and local authorities across the UK

We combine technical precision with practical understanding to ensure your access design supports both planning success and long-term safety.

Related Services

Preliminary Access Design is often supported by:

Swept Path Analysis

Mitigation Design

Transport Assessments

Road Safety Audits

Get Safe Access Design

Our team can review your site, confirm design requirements, and prepare preliminary layouts that meet all current standards.


We make the process clear and efficient from start to finish.

A solid black icon of a telephone handset.
A simple black-and-white icon of a closed envelope, representing email or messaging.